By Darryl Harding Sr –
After handling a depleted Heat team the Celtics move on to the Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even without Kristaps Porzingis out with a calf injury, Boston managed to hold the Heat to only 84 total points.
Considering Porzingis’s prowess on defense and shot blocking ability, it is safe to say that Boston has many ways to get the job done. Constantly finding a means to produce offensively the Celtics continually involve their entire roster.
In Game 5 closing out Miami Jason Tatum only scored 16 points, however it was Derrick White assembling 25 points and Sam Houser, hitting 5 three pointers that offset Tatum’s lower production.
As for the battle that lies ahead of the Celtics, the Cavs have a plethora of supporting players, Max Strus, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen all major contributors to Cleveland’s offense.
Although Allen is questionable for Game 1 it is the Cavs primary scorer, Donovan Mitchell that proves to be the player to stop. Combining for 89 point in his last two games, Mitchell is a pure point producer.
Looking to continue their winning ways the Celtics face the Cavs in Game 1 Tuesday at 7PM, protecting home court advantage their main concern.